Sunday, December 30, 2012

YEAR'S END AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

 
Last day of 2012 today, and the Red Cardinal takes a pause to reflect.
I am so grateful to be here to celebrate the New Year,
grateful for the love and support of family, friends, relatives, and the old and new friends found in the World of Blogging!
 
 
 
2012 started with a big shock for me, on 2nd January, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, while still in recovery from a serious motor vehicle accident.  I was in complete denial for some time, but eventually reality hit home in quite a big way.
 
 
 
So much has happened since then, and I am amazed to think that a whole year has passed.  I continue to work hard on healing, on living well, on improving my fitness and eating healthily.
 
 
The Red Cardinal Garden of Neglect continues to produce the odd rose, despite our haphazard attentions ...
 
 
I went back to work at the Art Gallery, and loved the exhibition of Treasures from the Prado ..
 
 
All in good time, I began to sew again, and have a heap of projects waiting to materialise ..
 
 
Best of all, 2012 saw us become grandparents again.
The 3-year old cousins, Little Aussie and the Petit Garcon in Canada were joined by the
Little Bebe, another Canadian grandson.
Plans are afoot to make the trek and go meet this little man.
 
 
 
We are off to see The GlumsLes Miserables, to finish the year.
I expect to be tucked up sound asleep by midnight,
even though we are one of the first countries in the world to get there...
 
So I'll just say right now,
to all of you, Bloggers, Readers, Commentators,
Happy New Year, from the Red Cardinal!!
 
 
 
 
xxxxx
xxxxx
 

23 comments:

  1. I am glad the year ended on a more positive note for you, and that I discovered your blog during the year.
    We are off to the fireworks in at Southbank tonight, it is always a good evening of fun (with lots of crazy people to keep me entertained!!!)
    Happy New Year and will catch up in 2013...

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    1. Glad you found me too Judith! Have fun at the fireworks, which will probably rouse me at midnight - I'll think of you :) Happy New Year xx

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  2. That's some year, Patricia! May you continue to go from strength to strength. It's always a pleasure to visit your blog and see what you're up to. Wishing a Happy and healthy New year for you and your loved ones.

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    1. Thank you Sulky, it was a big year, and I'm glad you pop into my blog. Wishing you a very special New Year too! xx

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  3. Dearest Patricia.
    You have come on leaps and bounds.. have made some great outfits and stayed positive throughout your unfortunate ordeal.
    Its been great to blog with you.
    Enjoy your New Year..
    see you Next year. xxx ):
    best wishes
    val x x x x x x x x

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    1. Dear Val, You are right, I have come on, and am working on it all the time (thank you, Personal Trainer!). It is always a joy to read your blog, and I am glad to have found it and you. Enjoy the New Year, whatever you are doing, and see you in 2013! xxxx

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  4. Thank you Valerie, that is so sweet. Happy New Year! xx

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  5. Dear Patricia - because I only found you recently I had no idea what a traumatic start to the year you had. Your optimism is palpable and an inspiration. I am sure you welcome 2013 with all the plans you have in place and happily close the door on 2012.
    Wishing you a happy new year.

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  6. Patricia, you have had quite a year and faced it with grace. Wishing you much joy in 2013 and looking forward to your always engaging blog posts. Glad we found each other in the blogging world. Happy New Year,

    Sanda

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  7. I second what Sanda here above said.
    You have been a brave lady. Lots of things have happened.
    I´m wishing you my best wishes to The Year 2013: )!

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  8. Since I'm pretty new here I was unaware of the trauma at the beginning of your year. I'm wishing you Double Happiness in 2013 to make up for it. I'll bet you can't wait to get your hands on that latest little family treasure.

    Darla

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  9. Dear Rosemary, Sanda, Mette and Darla, thank you all for your very sweet messages. You encourage me more than you know, especially on the down days. Blogging has been very therapeutic for me, and thank you for your interest and encouragement. Wishing you all much happiness in 2013 and look forward to continuing friendships. xxx

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  10. Here's to an excellent 2013! Hope it includes good health and a visit to see the new grandson in Canada.

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  11. Well, you seem to have had a lovely end to a difficult year... possibly a difficult 2 years. So, lets both continue to enjoy each day, and believe in a very positive and wonderful future. Fondest wishes for a great 2013. Janice x

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    1. Dear Janice, thank you for your lovely words. Here's to a great year in 2013! x

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  12. A very happy New year to you too, Patricia. I'm so glad 2013 is starting on such a joyous note for you compared to last year. Many years on I can still remember the shock of a breast cancer diagnosis, so I'm glad you're now feeling so well and positive.

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    1. Thank you Perpetua, I am glad to know that you are still here many years after the same diagnosis - that is encouraging! Breast cancer is very common, but there is still a huge shock when it happens to you. In my case the other breast was fractured in the accident, then I lost my one remaining 'good' breast a year later to cancer. Shocks all round, really! Both sides still in healing mode; I try to be positive, and not to lose faith.

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    2. Patricia, my first diagnosis was 14 years ago and my second (a recurrence on the same side) 7 years ago. After a mastectomy the second time round I've been fine ever since. But coming after the trauma of an accident your diagnosis must have been very hard to deal with and I'm so glad you've come out at the other side of it all now.

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    3. Oh dear, that must have been a blow having it come back after 7 years. Glad you are fine now, and trust we will both clear from now on!

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  13. Dear Patricia, I didn't know you had had such an awful start to the year. I wish you a beautiful serene and happy 2013. Your photos are beautiful ! Love you, the Silver Bunny xoxo

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    1. Thank you Silver Bunny, a beautiful serene 2013 is the perfect wish for me! Love you too!! xoxo

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